Wokingham ‘fayre May’ have been the best yet

BY JACKY HAYLER

One of Wokingham’s biggest events of the calendar took place on Bank Holiday Monday (May 1st) and it didn’t disappoint.

Thousands of people flocked to Elms Field and the closed-off Denmark Street to enjoy all the sights, sounds and smells of the community coming together.

The day kicked off with Wokingham Town Council Mayor Maria Gee officially declaring the fayre open, ably assisted by her mini-mayor Jayden Howie.

Mayor Gee said: “The May Fayre is one of the highlights of our year and this year it’s great to have the coronation theme. Thank you to all the stallholders who help make the town so vibrant and colourful and thank you to the Lions for organising the event. Considering there is only 38 members they do a fantastic job of organising all the events.”

She also said a thank you to her mini-mayor Jayden for who the May Fayre was the last event of his term.

The live animals proved popular as the ferret racing drew a big crowd while youngsters were keen to hold an owl at the Berkshire Birds of Prey gazebo. It was ‘all aboard’ the Maidenhead Lions train ride as it chuffed around the funfair in Elms Field.

There were lots of charity stalls who were not only promoting their causes but also raising lots of money. And the food stalls were taking visitors on a trip around the world from Spanish Churros and paella to Thai Bites, German Sausage, Greeklicious and the Vintage Hog Roast Co.

Stepping Out Stars of Tomorrow wowed the crowds on the main stage in Market Place with their very professional and polished performance and it wouldn’t be May Day without the jingling bells and hankie-waving of the Berkshire Bedlam Morris dancers.

The Wokingham Beekeeping Association was a ‘hive’ of activity, alongside Hurst Honey, and one of their newest members was very impressive. Ethan Staton, aged 11, only joined in September but already seemed very knowledgeable. Ethan attends All Saints School and was very excited to have been involved in his first hive inspection only the day before.

One of Wokingham’s newest businesses was also represented at the fayre. The Salty Olive is due to open in Elms Walk on May 24th. Owner Susannah Stewart said: “It’s been a dream of ours to bring a taste of the Northern Spanish Pinchos culture back home and we’re proud to be sharing it with the town.”

Susannah, who has lived in the town for 20 years added: “We have received huge support from everyone, and our launch events are already sold out.

We already feel very much a part of the community. The redevelopment of Wokingham has transformed the town and we really just can’t wait to open.”

My Wokingham bumped into the mayor with the police cadets, and she said she was having a lovely time, and even admitted to having ‘ordered fine weather’ for the day. Apart from a brief shower early on and a few cloud-bursts in the afternoon, the weather didn’t dampen spirits.

Other entertainment included a Punch & Judy Show, EBOS (East Berkshire Operatic Society), The Maguire O’Shea Academy of Irish Dance and the No Strings Attached Ukelele Band, the Jazz Band, Almost Alice (Band) and St. Sebastian Brass Band. There was an energetic dance display by The Dance Zone, Acoustic Jazz (Toe-tapping Jazz Band) and comedy jugglers. The day ended with The Giant Balloon Show (by Dizzy O’Dare) with a coronation twist!

Cubs and Guides were there, Winnersh and Binfield Rotary Club and Woosehill Wokingham Women’s Insti- al Election come into effect in July and on these latest results, I truly believe Wokingham will have a Lib Dem parliamentary seat.”

Mr Jones concluded that they had a thank you event on Sunday, attended by around 80 members, to celebrate the results and thank his colleagues for all their hard work in the run-up to the election. It also doubled up as a coronation celebration and he said he was proud of how the town had united in celebration.

“I think Wokingham has been looking wonderful in celebration of the King – the bunting, flags and the post-box toppers have really brightened the town. It is great to see everyone coming together.” tute. Ramblers, schools, animal rescue centres and fitness venues all had gazebos. The range of stalls, entertainment and visitors showed Wokingham May Fayre is the perfect forum for the community to come together.